Laos govt mandates graphic health warnings on cigarette packages to combat smoking epidemic in country

VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): The Lao Ministry of Health has mandated that 75 per cent of all cigarette packages must feature graphic health warning images by December this year. This initiative aims to curb smoking and its associated health risks, particularly among the nation’s youth.

Laos Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith emphasized the severe impact of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure on public health. He reported that smoking and indirect exposure to smoke are leading causes of serious illness, disability, and early death in Laos.